John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 13:11

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you." — 2 Corinthians 13:11 (ASV)

Finally, brethren—he qualifies whatever sharpness there has been throughout the whole epistle, because he did not wish to leave their minds in an exasperated state, but rather to soothe them. For then only are reproofs beneficial when they are seasoned with honey, so that the hearer may, if possible, receive them in an agreeable spirit. At the same time, he appears to turn from a few diseased persons to the entire Church. Therefore, he declares that he aims at promoting its perfection, and desires its consolation.

To be of one mind, and to live in peace, are expressions that mean two different things, for the one arises from the other. The former relates to agreement of sentiment; the latter denotes benevolence and union of hearts.

He adds the phrase And the God of peace so that his exhortation may carry more weight with them. But at the same time, he intimates that God will be with us if we cultivate peace among ourselves, and that those who are at variance with each other are distant from Him. For where there are strifes and contentions, there, it is certain, the devil reigns.

Now what agreement is there between light and darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14).

He calls Him the God of peace and love, because He has recommended peace and love to us, because He loves them and is the author of them. Of the kiss mentioned here, we have spoken in the two preceding Epistles.